The Highway 62 route on the West Face of Echo Rock cuts across the granite with a distinctive left-to-right traverse that challenges climbers to keep momentum and composure. This 250-foot climb offers a unique experience unlike many straightforward ascents—the line threads across several established routes, requiring attention to clipping sequences and footwork. The journey begins by engaging the first bolt of Double Dip and moves horizontally, skimming right to intersect the bolts of Battle Of The Bulge, Unzipper, Stichter Quits, and Forbidden Paradise before it draws to a close. With 13 bolts protecting the route, Highway 62 balances risk and security, encouraging confident movement along its horizontal sweep.

Under California’s bright desert sky, the Echo Rock face bears the marks of climbers past, but Highway 62 redefines the line with its flow and rhythm. The granite's texture is coarse enough for reliable holds, but with subtle variations that demand precise foot placements and steady hands. While the climb’s length and navigating between bolts may appear intimidating from a distance, it moves at a surprisingly comfortable pacing, with several bolts positioned to keep the route safe without impeding the flow.

The route’s character leans into the adventure of linking diverse climbing pitches in a simul-climb style, especially near the end where a longer rope proves beneficial. With its comparatively moderate 5.9 rating framed by a complex traverse, Highway 62 feels more approachable than its name might suggest—inviting climbers ready to try something different from vertical lines.

Echo Rock itself sits within the vast expanse of Joshua Tree National Park, a landscape where the desert hums beneath the sun. Approaching the route means crossing through classic Joshua Tree terrain—sandy soil scattered with boulders, punctuated by sparse vegetation that seems to watch as you move through it. Mornings bring cooler air and softer light on the rock, which can heat rapidly by midday. For climbers planning their day, starting early supports safer conditions and a more pleasant experience.

The climb’s protection setup with bolts along the traverse offers reliable security, though it requires some coordination to manage rope drag along its horizontal path. Having a rope of 70 meters or longer helps minimize simul-climbing sections, streamlining the ascent and giving climbers added confidence to focus on movement instead of logistics. Because many bolts come from different established routes, recognizing the lines and knowing when to clip is crucial—this route is as much a mental puzzle as it is a physical challenge.

Highway 62 demands solid trad climbing fundamentals combined with the ability to read the complexity of a traverse and adjust on the fly. It’s a fitting route for climbers who appreciate routes that flow horizontally through the landscape, offering a fresh perspective on Echo Rock that rewards patience and focus with sustained climbing and memorable views across the desert expanse. Gear up with attention to rope length and bolt strategy, embrace the desert’s quiet intensity, and Highway 62 becomes more than a route—it’s a dynamic dance across Joshua Tree’s sculpted granite canvas.